Registered Nurse (RN)

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Woodward Resource Center (WRC) is seeking a Registered Nurse to join our team! This is a full-time position with HHS.

Perks of Joining Our Team:

• This position is eligible for a $3,000 recruitment payment. Speak to the Hiring Manager for more eligibility information. Current state employees are not eligible for recruitment payments upon transfer, demotion, or promotion to another agency.
• Shift Differentials: Enjoy additional compensation for second and third shift work, recognizing your dedication and flexibility in supporting our 24/7 facility.

Why Choose WRC?

At WRC, we're more than just a healthcare facility, we're a community dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. From the moment individuals walk through our doors, we're committed to offering personalized support and quality care tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.

What You'll Do

As a Registered Nurse at WRC, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional care and support. Your responsibilities will include:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Conduct thorough assessments according to WRC protocols, ensuring the development of individualized care plans that address both physical and emotional needs.
• Follow-up Care: Provide diligent follow-up care for illnesses and injuries, adhering to nursing protocols and ensuring timely interventions to promote recovery and well-being.
• Safety Measures: Utilize universal precautions at all times to ensure the safety of both individuals and staff, maintaining rigorous infection control standards to uphold a healthy environment.
• Medication Management: Administer medications, enteral feedings, and nebulizer treatments with precision and care, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to healthcare provider orders.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement holistic care plans, fostering a collaborative approach that prioritizes the well-being of each individual.

Key Competencies

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Specialized Client Care: Applies specialized care techniques relevant to the work context, ensuring individualized and effective client support.
• Teaching and Oversight: Capable of instructing and supervising assistive staff in client care, ensuring quality and competency.
• Empathetic Assistance: Provides compassionate support to clients, assisting them in meeting their needs and adhering to prescribed treatments.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in approach, adapts to changing situations, and embraces organizational or job requirement changes.
• Ethical Conduct: Upholds high ethical standards, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and refraining from unethical behavior.
• Initiative and Commitment: Exhibits initiative, effort, and commitment in completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision, demonstrating attention to detail and responsible behavior.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Benefits of Joining WRC

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here.

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Why Join Us?

Working at WRC isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to be part of a caring and compassionate community dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can truly make an impact, WRC is the place for you.

Woodward Highlights

Woodward is a city of approximately 1,300 located in central Iowa. The High Trestle Trail begins here and boasts 25 miles of paved surface running through five towns and four counties in the heart of Iowa. The trail includes an iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world. The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is just a quick drive away offering more trails, scenic overlooks and other amazing natural features. 

Woodward is about 30 minutes away Ames, home of Iowa State University. Des Moines, Iowa’s capitol city, is also about the same distance away and home to Casey’s Center (host site of NCAA Basketball and premier concerts) and Lauridsen Skatepark, the nation’s largest skatepark. Additionally, Des Moines hosts one of the nation’s finest State Fairs and is home to professional sports teams the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers and Iowa Wild. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.

New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit This is Iowa to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.